High-temperature performance of mortars and concretes based on alkali-activated slag/metakaolin blends

This paper assesses the performance of mortars and concretes based on alkali activated granulated blastfurnace slag (GBFS)/metakaolin (MK) blends when exposed to high temperatures. High stability of mortars with contents of MK up to 60 wt.% when exposed to 600 °C is identified, with residual strengths of 20 MPa following exposure to this temperature. On the other hand, exposure to higher temperatures leads to cracking of the concretes, as a consequence of the high shrinkage of the binder matrix and the restraining effects of the aggregate, especially in those specimens with binders containing high MK content. A significant difference is identified between the water absorption properties of mortars and concretes, and this is able to be correlated with divergences in their performance after exposure to high temperatures. This indicates that the performance at high temperatures of alkali-activated mortars is not completely transferable to concrete, because the systems differ in permeability. The differences in the thermal expansion coefficients between the binder matrix and the coarse aggregates contribute to the macrocracking of the material, and the consequent reduction of mechanical properties

Quantum principle of sensing gravitational waves: From the zero-point fluctuations to the cosmological stochastic background of spacetime

We carry out a theoretical investigation on the collective dynamics of an ensemble of correlated atoms, subject to both vacuum fluctuations of spacetime and stochastic gravitational waves. A general approach is taken with the derivation of a quantum master equation capable of describing arbitrary confined nonrelativistic matter systems in an open quantum gravitational environment. It enables us to relate the spectral function for gravitational waves and the distribution function for quantum gravitational fluctuations and to indeed introduce a new spectral function for the zero-point fluctuations of spacetime. The formulation is applied to two-level identical bosonic atoms in an off-resonant high-Q cavity that effectively inhibits undesirable electromagnetic delays, leading to a gravitational transition mechanism through certain quadrupole moment operators. The overall relaxation rate before reaching equilibrium is found to generally scale collectively with the number N of atoms. However, we are also able to identify certain states of which the decay and excitation rates with stochastic gravitational waves and vacuum spacetime fluctuations amplify more significantly with a factor of N². Using such favorable states as a means of measuring both conventional stochastic gravitational waves and novel zero-point spacetime fluctuations, we determine the theoretical lower bounds for the respective spectral functions. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings on future observations of gravitational waves of a wider spectral window than currently accessible. Especially, the possible sensing of the zero-point fluctuations of spacetime could provide an opportunity to generate initial evidence and further guidance of quantum gravity

High-throughput analysis of tissue microarrays using automated desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are commonly used for the rapid analysis of large numbers of tissue samples, often in morphological assessments but increasingly in spectroscopic analysis, where specific molecular markers are targeted via immunostaining. Here we report the use of an automated high-throughput system based on desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry (MS) for the rapid generation and online analysis of high-density (6144 samples/array) TMAs, at rates better than 1 sample/second. Direct open-air analysis of tissue samples (hundreds of nanograms) not subjected to prior preparation, plus the ability to provide molecular characterization by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), make this experiment versatile and applicable to both targeted and untargeted analysis in a label-free manner. These capabilities are demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study of frozen brain tissue biopsies where we showcase (i) a targeted MS/MS application aimed at identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation in glioma samples and (ii) an untargeted MS tissue type classification using lipid profiles and correlation with tumor cell percentage estimates from histopathology. The small sample sizes and large sample numbers accessible with this methodology make for a powerful analytical system that facilitates the identification of molecular markers for later use in intraoperative applications to guide precision surgeries and ultimately improve patient outcomes

Adversity is linked with decreased parent-child behavioral and neural synchrony

Parent-child synchrony-parent-child interaction patterns characterized by contingent social responding, mutual responsivity, and co-regulation-has been robustly associated with adaptive child outcomes. Synchrony has been investigated in both behavioral and biological frameworks. While it has been demonstrated that adversity can influence behavioral parent-child synchrony, the neural mechanisms by which this disruption occurs are understudied. The current study examined the association between adversity, parent-child behavioral synchrony, and parent-child neural synchrony across lateral prefrontal cortical regions using functional near-infrared spectroscopy hyperscanning during a parent-child interaction task that included a mild stress induction followed by a recovery period. Participants included 115 children (ages 4-5) and their primary caregivers. Parent-child behavioral synchrony was quantified as the amount time the dyad was synchronous (e.g., reciprocal communication, coordinated behaviors) during the interaction task. Parent-child neural synchrony was examined as the hemodynamic concordance between parent and child lateral PFC activation. Adversity was examined across two, empirically-derived domains: sociodemographic risk (e.g., family income) and familial risk (e.g., household chaos). Adversity, across domains, was associated with decreased parent-child behavioral synchrony across task conditions. Sociodemographic risk was associated with decreased parent-child neural synchrony in the context of experimentally-induced stress. These findings link adversity to decreased parent-child behavioral and neural synchrony

Nitrous Oxide Emissions Generated in Coffee Cultivation: A Systematic Review

The objective of the research was to provide an overview of soil N2O emissions in coffee cropping systems; summarizing available field data on soil emissions and identifying controlling factors (fertilizer type, precipitation, temperature, altitude). A systematic search of Scopus, Science Direct, Springer, and Scielo for experimental-type studies was conducted from January 2000 to October 2021. Of the seventy manuscripts determined through the search strategy, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the included studies revealed that they were conducted in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua; the rainfall of the fields ranged from 910 mm to 2740 mm per year and the average temperature was 20.3°C. Coffee is planted under agroforestry systems and monocultures; in addition, the most abundant forest species in coffee agroforestry systems are leguminous plants of the Inga and Erytrina genus and 60% of the studies have been developed with the Catuai coffee variety. The pH and humidity of the soil where coffee plantations are developed range from 4.67 to 6.34 and 53.3 to 67.05% respectively. Finally, the fertilizers used are of chemical, organic, and chemical + polymer origin, at fertilization rates ranging from 66 to 400 kg.N.ha-1yr-1 and N2O emissions ranging from 0.2 to 12.8 kg.N.ha-1yr-1. Overall, the present systematic review provides a scientific basis for evaluating N2O emissions generated in coffee crops

Comparison of ethanol septal reduction therapy with surgical myectomy for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

AbstractOBJECTIVESThis study was designed to compare the hemodynamic efficacy of nonsurgical septal reduction therapy (NSRT) by intracoronary ethanol with standard therapy (surgical myectomy) for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).BACKGROUNDNonsurgical septal reduction therapy has gained interest as a new treatment modality for patients with drug-refractory symptoms of HOCM; however, its benefits in comparison to surgery are unknown.METHODSForty-one consecutive NSRT patients at Baylor College of Medicine with one-year follow-up were compared with age- and gradient-matched septal myectomy patients at the Mayo Clinic. All patients had left ventricular outflow obstruction with a resting gradient ≥40 mm Hg and none had concomitant procedures.RESULTSThere were no baseline differences in New York Heart Association class, severity of mitral regurgitation, use of cardiac medications or exercise capacity. One death occurred during NSRT because of dissection of the left anterior descending artery. At one year, all improvements in both groups were similar. After surgical myectomy, more patients were on medications (p < 0.05) and there was a higher incidence of mild aortic regurgitation (p < 0.05). After NSRT, the incidence of pacemaker implantation for complete heart block was higher (22% vs. 2% in surgery; p = 0.02). However, seven of the nine pacemakers in the NSRT group were implanted before a modified ethanol injection technique and the use of contrast echocardiography.CONCLUSIONSNonsurgical septal reduction therapy resulted in a significantly higher incidence of complete heart block, but the risk was reduced with contrast echocardiography and slow ethanol injection. Surgical myectomy resulted in a significantly higher incidence of mild aortic regurgitation. Nonsurgical septal reduction therapy, guided by contrast echocardiography, is an effective procedure for treating patients with HOCM. The hemodynamic and functional improvements at one year are similar to those of surgical myectomy

EDXRF study of Tupi-Guarani archaeological ceramics.

A set of indian Brazilian pottery fragments belonging to Tupi-Guarani tradition has been studied by an archaeometric non-destructive technique. The pottery fragments were accidentally discovered in the Santa Dalmacia farm, sited near Cambé city at the north of Paraná Brazilian state. Each one of these fragments came from different ceramic recipients and their physical characteristics are very similar. The EDXRF measurements were performed employing both an X-ray tube and three radioisotope sources (Fe, Cd and Pu). The compositional data of the ceramics paste and pigments is investigated. For detection of the elements within the ceramic paste, the fragments were irradiated at the center of the lateral section, while several superficial areas with remaining plastic decoration were also chosen and irradiated at the convex and concave sides of each fragment. A paste-subtracted compositional data of the remaining pigments was statically extracted from the XRF analysis of each area. A program based on the graphic polygonal representation method was developed and used to correlate the representative intensity data of each fragment.Um conjunto de fragmentos cerâmicos indígenas brasileiros pertencentes à Tradição Tupi-Guarani foi estudado por uma técnica arqueométrica não destrutiva. Os fragmentos cerâmicos foram descobertos acidentalmente na fazenda Santa Dalmácia, situada próximo da cidade de Cambé, no norte do estado do Paraná. Cada um desses fragmentos veio de diferentes recipientes cerâmicos e suas características físicas são muito similares. As medidas EDXRF foram realizadas empregando tanto um tubo de raios X como três fontes de radioisótopos (55Fe, 109Cd e 238Pu). Os dados de composição da pasta cerâmica e dos pigmentos são investigados. Para detecção dos elementos contidos na pasta cerâmica, os fragmentos foram irradiados no centro da secção lateral, enquanto algumas áreas com decoração plástica remanescente também foram escolhidas e irradiadas nos lados convexo e côncavo de cada fragmento. Foram obtidas as composições dos pigmentos remanescentes em cada área analisada, subtraindo-se do espectro XRF da área considerada o espectro XRF da pasta cerâmica. Um programa baseado no método de representação poligonal gráfica foi desenvolvido e usado para correlacionar a intensidade representativa de cada fragmento

Prevalent Multimorbidity Combinations Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Seen in Community Health Centers

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity (≥ 2 chronic diseases) is associated with greater disability and higher treatment burden, as well as difficulty coordinating self-management tasks for adults with complex multimorbidity patterns. Comparatively little work has focused on assessing multimorbidity patterns among patients seeking care in community health centers (CHCs). OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize prevalent multimorbidity patterns in a multi-state network of CHCs over a 5-year period. DESIGN: A cohort study of the 2014-2019 ADVANCE multi-state CHC clinical data network. We identified the most prevalent multimorbidity combination patterns and assessed the frequency of patterns throughout a 5-year period as well as the demographic characteristics of patient panels by prevalent patterns. PARTICIPANTS: The study included data from 838,642 patients aged ≥ 45 years who were seen in 337 CHCs across 22 states between 2014 and 2019. MAIN MEASURES: Prevalent multimorbidity patterns of somatic, mental health, and mental-somatic combinations of 22 chronic diseases based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Multiple Chronic Conditions framework: anxiety, arthritis, asthma, autism, cancer, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, dementia, depression, diabetes, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and stroke. KEY RESULTS: Multimorbidity is common among middle-aged and older patients seen in CHCs: 40% have somatic, 6% have mental health, and 24% have mental-somatic multimorbidity patterns. The most frequently occurring pattern across all years is hyperlipidemia-hypertension. The three most frequent patterns are various iterations of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes and are consistent in rank of occurrence across all years. CKD-hyperlipidemia-hypertension and anxiety-depression are both more frequent in later study years. CONCLUSIONS: CHCs are increasingly seeing more complex multimorbidity patterns over time; these most often involve mental health morbidity and advanced cardiometabolic-renal morbidity

Advantages and Limitations of Commercially Available Electrocuting Grids for Studying Mosquito Behaviour.

Mosquito feeding behaviour plays a major role in determining malaria transmission intensity and the impact of specific prevention measures. Human Landing Catch (HLC) is currently the only method that can directly and consistently measure the biting rates of anthropophagic mosquitoes, both indoors and outdoors. However, this method exposes the participant to mosquito-borne pathogens, therefore new exposure-free methods are needed to replace it. Commercially available electrocuting grids (EGs) were evaluated as an alternative to HLC using a Latin Square experimental design in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Both HLC and EGs were used to estimate the proportion of human exposure to mosquitoes occurring indoors (πi), as well as its two underlying parameters: the proportion of mosquitoes caught indoors (Pi) and the proportion of mosquitoes caught between the first and last hour when most people are indoors (Pfl). HLC and EGs methods accounted for 69% and 31% of the total number of female mosquitoes caught respectively and both methods caught more mosquitoes outdoors than indoors. Results from the gold standard HLC suggest that An. gambiae s.s. in Dar es Salaam is neither exophagic nor endophagic (Pi ≈ 0.5), whereas An. arabiensis is exophagic (Pi < < 0.5). Both species prefer to feed after 10 pm when most people are indoors (Pfl > >0.5). EGs yielded estimates of Pi for An. gambiae s.s., An. arabiensis and An. coustani, that were approximately equivalent to those with HLC but significantly underestimated Pfl for An. gambiae s.s. and An. coustani. The relative sampling sensitivity of EGs declined over the course of the night (p ≤ 0.001) for all mosquito taxa except An. arabiensis. Commercial EGs sample human-seeking mosquitoes with high sensitivity both indoors and outdoors and accurately measure the propensity of Anopheles malaria vectors to bite indoors rather than outdoors. However, further modifications are needed to stabilize sampling sensitivity over a full nocturnal cycle so that they can be used to survey patterns of human exposure to mosquitoes